Best Casual Restaurants in Toluca Lake

The food was great, service was great and they also surprised us with an anniversary gift.

Great time here! I would make a reservation for a weekend night. Our server Darcy was awesome along with the rest of the staff. We ordered a few pasta dishes, the beet salad and the Caesar salad, the spicy jalapeño margarita, and the super Fico margarita. Everyone was very happy with their order. They have valet parking or free street parking if available.

As someone who had their mother and grandmother preparing pasta dishes together in the kitchen, somehow creating a home-cooked yet refined cuisine, Angelino Trattoria accomplishes the same. Countless times from New York, Boston and then to Los Angeles I have been disappointed when presented with dry pasta and common sauces. Here the pastas are made in house. The sauces are fresh and vibrant. The ravioli dish that I sampled-with portobello mushroom and pesto could not be improved. The pesto was silky, not overtly garlicky that read of fresh basil and the earthiness of Italy’s finest olive oil. I believe that I have found my go-to Italian eatery in Angelino Trattoria; I am looking forward to my next visit to try more items.

We have always enjoyed coming to the Front Yard. The menu is unique, in both food and drink, the service is always wonderful, and the food delicious. Our only comment for this meal was that the charcuterie board was pretty sparse for $24. Didn't feel like the value equaled the price, while the other shareables and entrees were closer matched quantity/quality to cost.

Casa Madera, West Hollywood: A Stunning Start to 2025 Location: Casa Madera West Hollywood 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Introduction: On New Year’s Day, I had the pleasure of treating my parents to a memorable dining experience at Casa Madera. It felt like the perfect way to begin 2025—surrounded by beautiful food, great company, and a delightful atmosphere. Securing a reservation for January 1st felt like a lucky break, and the evening did not disappoint. Ambiance & Service: Casa Madera’s atmosphere is simply stunning. The restaurant is beautifully designed, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing great photos. From the lighting to the decor, every detail seems curated for an elegant, yet welcoming vibe. The service was just as impressive. The staff were attentive, friendly, and professional, enhancing the overall experience. It’s the kind of place where you feel genuinely cared for. Dishes Reviewed: Solstice Cocktail ($26) A visually stunning cocktail served on fire, though the flavor itself wasn’t particularly standout. Burrata ($42) An absolute highlight of the night! The honeycomb provided just the right amount of sweetness, and the flatbread’s texture was spot on. The creamy burrata was perfection—simple yet unforgettable. Fattoush Salad ($24) A popular choice on the menu, but it was fairly standard in taste. Truffle Risotto ($51) Decadent with black truffle, but a bit too salty for my liking. Center Cut Prime Ribeye - Medium-Rare ($99) The ribeye was flavorful, though it leaned slightly more cooked than a true medium-rare. The bone marrow and roasted garlic on the side, however, were exceptional. Crimini Mushrooms ($19) A decent side dish, though not particularly memorable. Butter Cake ($22) A sweet and indulgent dessert. While it’s their most popular, it reminded me of a French canelé—enjoyable but not extraordinary. Overall Thoughts: Casa Madera is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience.